Latest news with #KeelyHodgkinson
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid
The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seizes the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson - a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures - a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Over 100 of Britain's biggest athletes send powerful open letter to Keir Starmer
Mo Farah is one of GB's most iconic Olympians (Image: Getty Images) The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seize the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson — a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures — a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. READ MORE: World Boxing send Imane Khelif apology after announcing sex test rule change READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios issues heartfelt apology as he reveals he WON'T be at Wimbledon 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. (Image: Getty Images) Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. (Image: Getty Images Sport Classic) And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back in 2024. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding A member of the crowd stands to clap on the penultimate day of the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the London Stadium (Image: Getty Images for British Athletics collection ) The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seizes the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson - a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures - a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. Usain Bolt of Jamaica (Image:) 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. Article continues below 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. Article continues below 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Keely Hodgkinson and Mo Farah spearhead government plea to back London World Championships
Olympic gold medallists Keely Hodgkinson and Sir Mo Farah are among more than 100 athletes calling for the Prime Minister to financially back a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. In a letter, penned one week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves presents her spending review, the authors argue the impact of the event "goes far beyond medals and headlines" and implore Sir Keir Starmer to affirm Government's support because "the window to act is short." The PA news agency understands a commitment of £45million is being sought, which, according to a feasibility study conducted by Athletic Ventures, would generate an economic and social impact of more than £400m. The letter reads: "We write as athletes who have had the honour of representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the world stage. Among us are World, Olympic, European and Commonwealth champions and medallists. "We've stood on podiums with pride but there is nothing like competing in front of a home crowd. For many athletes, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For our country, it's an opportunity we must not let pass us by. "That's why we are calling on the UK Government to back the bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029. "There is no more iconic setting than the London Stadium, the scene of unforgettable moments at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the record-breaking 2017 World Championships. "Britain knows how to put on global events. We do it brilliantly. And when we host, the impact goes far beyond medals and headlines. It inspires a generation. It generates huge economic and community impact. It brings the country together in excitement and joy." Other signatories include two-time world heptathlon champion and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson, double Athens 2004 Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, 2023 world 1500 metres champion Josh Kerr and 2019 world 200 metres champion Dina Asher-Smith. A steer in the spending review would give an indication that the bid has not been forgotten. The funding itself would not be required until 2028, but the finance needs to be guaranteed by September, the deadline for organisers to submit a formal expression of interest to World Athletics. A successful bid would see London host the world championships for the first time since 2017, an event that boasted a sold-out stadium for every session. PA has contacted the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for comment. The letter continues: "We know there are tough decisions facing the country. But this isn't just about sport. It's about opportunity, inclusion, wellbeing-and pride. "Events like this bring economic benefit, drive tourism, and showcase Britain at its best. But above all, they leave a legacy that lives on in communities, schools and families for years to come. "The window to act is short. A decision to back the bid is needed in the coming weeks. We ask you - our government - to show your support and help us bring the world championships home."
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Keely Hodgkinson and Mo Farah spearhead government plea to back London World Championships
Olympic gold medallists Keely Hodgkinson and Sir Mo Farah are among more than 100 athletes calling for the Prime Minister to financially back a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. In a letter, penned one week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves presents her spending review, the authors argue the impact of the event "goes far beyond medals and headlines" and implore Sir Keir Starmer to affirm Government's support because "the window to act is short." The PA news agency understands a commitment of £45million is being sought, which, according to a feasibility study conducted by Athletic Ventures, would generate an economic and social impact of more than £400m. The letter reads: "We write as athletes who have had the honour of representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the world stage. Among us are World, Olympic, European and Commonwealth champions and medallists. "We've stood on podiums with pride but there is nothing like competing in front of a home crowd. For many athletes, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For our country, it's an opportunity we must not let pass us by. "That's why we are calling on the UK Government to back the bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029. "There is no more iconic setting than the London Stadium, the scene of unforgettable moments at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the record-breaking 2017 World Championships. "Britain knows how to put on global events. We do it brilliantly. And when we host, the impact goes far beyond medals and headlines. It inspires a generation. It generates huge economic and community impact. It brings the country together in excitement and joy." Other signatories include two-time world heptathlon champion and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson, double Athens 2004 Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, 2023 world 1500 metres champion Josh Kerr and 2019 world 200 metres champion Dina Asher-Smith. A steer in the spending review would give an indication that the bid has not been forgotten. The funding itself would not be required until 2028, but the finance needs to be guaranteed by September, the deadline for organisers to submit a formal expression of interest to World Athletics. A successful bid would see London host the world championships for the first time since 2017, an event that boasted a sold-out stadium for every session. PA has contacted the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for comment. The letter continues: "We know there are tough decisions facing the country. But this isn't just about sport. It's about opportunity, inclusion, wellbeing-and pride. "Events like this bring economic benefit, drive tourism, and showcase Britain at its best. But above all, they leave a legacy that lives on in communities, schools and families for years to come. "The window to act is short. A decision to back the bid is needed in the coming weeks. We ask you - our government - to show your support and help us bring the world championships home."
